Tactile (Definition and Symptoms)

Definition: This sense is detected through receptors in the skin. Information from this sense allows a child to feel when he/she is being touched, and the quality of that touch. It also allows a child to determine what he/she is touching without the use of their vision.

Symptoms of Over-Responsiveness:

• avoids affectionate touch

• bothered by seams in clothing, tags, waistbands, etc.

• avoids messy play including finger-painting and play doh

• dislikes nail trimming, hair cutting, hair brushing, tooth brushing

• limited food preferences, sensitive to food textures

• excessively ticklish

• avoids standing close to others

• startles easily when touched unexpectedly

• overreacts to minor injuries or mosquito bites

Symptoms of Under-Responsiveness:

• always touching others

• as a young child, may prefer to be without clothes and barefoot

• doesn't seem to notice messy hands or face

• touches everything, brings objects and toys to mouth frequently

• may stuff too much food in mouth

• seems unaware of light touch

• doesn't seem to notice cuts and scrapes, doesn't mind shots

• drools, doesn't wipe runny nose

• unintentionally rough on pets or other kids

• craves intense flavors....salty, sweet, sour, spicy

• difficulty with fine motor tasks.